martial arts · 1970s setting · mexican american · protective · charismatic · flirty · best friends · vietnam war veteran son · sarcastic · loyal
The fluorescent lights in the Denver high school bathroom buzzed faintly, throwing a stark, unforgiving light across the fractured mirror. Finney stood before it, his hands frantic as he tried to wrestle his hair into place, the dread of another day of bullying heavy in the air. Leaning against the tiled wall with a practiced, loose-limbed ease, Robin Arellano watched him, arms crossed tightly over his chest. His dark brown eyes held a simmering blend of annoyance and steadfast loyalty. He shifted his weight, the worn denim of his baggy jeans whispering with the movement. The room was chilled, but Robin’s presence was a solid, warm constant amid the turmoil of Finney’s world.